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This Is Me--2019 A to Z Theme

The Challenge of 2019 was the 10th! Since this was kind of a milestone year for A to Z my theme was a retrospective of sorts, looking at my 10 years as a blogger as well as ruminations about my life as it is and as I hope it yet can be. I've got places to be and people to see along the way. Hope you'll join me for this part of my journey...

Always a work in progress--welcome to my blog.

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Monday, September 24, 2018

In the Middle of the Road (#BOTB results)

Going someplace is often the best part of a journey, but heading back home can be mighty nice as well...

Me, Arlee Bird, in 2006 in my sister's living room when she lived in New Jersey

In the Middle of the Road

Whenever I travel I prefer to drive. There's that thing about being in control that I like. If I want to stop somewhere I can. If I want to take a side trip I can do that as well. Driving to me represents freedom. But freedom isn't really free and driving requires time and money. That's what I liked about my job managing a theater company.

Entertainment is a risky business that has left many in heartbreak and disappointment. When you have an offer that provides several months of a guaranteed route of bookings and all expenses paid then it's like getting a vacation funded. I've never understood these rock stars who lament their heavy tour schedules. But maybe they don't have the road in their blood like I do.

At this point in my life I no longer think of a road that goes on forever. There is a destination ahead that I'm taking my time to reach. And there is so much more along the way that I want to savor. I'm going to keep taking chances as though there is a lot of future ahead of me. After all, time is relative...

Battle of the Bands Results

Taking a Chance on Love

The Battle for this song was between two recording artists from the past--June Christy and Ethel Waters. It looks like I presented a good match with these choices as this was a close result.

My favorite video would definitely be the clip with Ethel Waters. Her rendition of the song is fantastic, but I do prefer that cool jazz style of June Christy and her band. If my vote had gone to Ethel Waters then this contest would have been a tie. My vote going to Christy gives her a marginal win.

Final Vote Tally

June Christy 11Ethel Waters 9

Next Battle on Monday October 1st

I am really pondering some stuff these days. I won't say what it is right now because it's a lot of things. I'm not just aimlessly stuck in the middle of the road, but I am at a crossroads.

Do you like to drive when you travel? Have you ever had a job that required travel that was paid by your employer? What has been your most impactful crossroads decision so far in your life?

Until a few years ago, I LOVED driving … for much the same reason as you. Unfortunately, the solo trip I took to Florida in July brought me up short. My eyes seem to be are aging faster than the rest of me.

My most impactful decision? Hands down, not waiting for conditions to be perfect to get the heck out of Dodge (Phoenix) and move to Alabama. It's all good!

I don't mind if someone else drives as long as we are in sync with what we like to do and see. I don't like being on a typical tour that everyone takes because you have no freedom. The only time I like doing that is if it is free like the one I did in July when I was with my dear friend who was the director on that trip. I would love to just close my eyes and pick a spot in Ontario to go to. If I had more time and money, it would be in Canada and, if unlimited money and time...anywhere:) I actually would love to go to the off beat places like seeing the biggest elastic ball in the world, seeing an old railway station still in operation...stuff like that. I also love to take the old roads instead of the freeway because you get to go through small towns that offer so much. I have been in a few crossroads in my life. One that came to mind was a real eye opener that left me wondering why but, at the same time, gave me the life I have now and I am better for it.

Birgit, so many cool places to go, but not enough money. I've got the time though. I'm with you on those back road scenic routes. Freeways are great when one is in a hurry and actually some of the interstates are quite scenic.

I don't drive so can't comment on the freedom aspect. But buses and trains are my favourite ways to get to know a country. And walking around for cities. I like travelling as close to the ground as possible.

I went with the winner in your latest BoTB. *applauds* Wow, here we are the end of September! I can't believe sometimes how fast the year is slipping by. *sigh*

My answers to your questions...

Driving is my preferred means of travel except I'd rather DH do nearly all the driving. :) I get a bit too tense behind the wheel.

No, I have never had a job that required driving nor paid for travel expenses. In our early years, DH had to work in Alabama at one TVA's plants. They paid for his living arrangements, food, and gave him a company car. I didn't like it when he was gone.

I'll see you on Monday if not before then and I'm intrigued by your middle of the road mindset. Have a great day. It's time to make my morning coffee. :)

The most impactful crossroads was the decision to have children. That's a huge one! Children can bring you ever bit as much happiness as heartbreak. I wouldn't do anything any different, either.

I was in the US Air Force, and I also used to work in the Telecommunications Industry, so I was literally traveling all the time. Driving and by plane. Then there was a phase where I just wanted to drive to places to check out the sites and cool treasures. Now I'm pretty much a homebody, but I would still travel to Switzerland, Sweden or Canada if I won a trip.(lol) Hugs...RO

I don"t care much for driving several hours to see scenery. But I don't mind driving for work. I do need the destination, a purpose. I like my traveling job for that reason. I would prefer to do it in a motor home :)

Dolorah, a destination is a good idea though I might not mind meandering if time wasn't an issue and money was in great abundance. I've thought about a motor home, but don't know that I'd go that route. And nice ones can be pretty expensive.

On and off for 22 years I traveled on business. The rule was that you drove on any trip under 200 miles, and there were times I was sorely tempted to drive on longer trips, because trying to squeeze all 350 pounds of me into an airline seat is an uncomfortable proposition at best. On vacations, we always drove, because Mary hates to fly, and I did the lion's share of the driving, because Mary is intimidated by the Interstates. I actually enjoyed the drives on the open road.

Since the stroke, Mary does all the driving, and we rarely if ever go more than 5 miles from home. That suits me just fine.

I'm glad June Christy won. Like I said, her version swings, and I love the combo backing her.

John, I guess if I couldn't drive I would adapt (I'd have to!), but I'd miss driving terribly. If I'm not on a trip then I tend to stay home a lot and drive only short distances unless I absolutely have to drive farther.

You sound like a man who enjoys an adventure. Personally, I would never drive if I didn’t have to. I prefer to see the scenery and take the pictures. Now I must find this Ethel Waters clip you speak of.

If I can't travel by car, truck, horseback, or on foot, I just don't go. I consider the things you see along the way extensions of the adventure.

There was a time when I traveled once a month for business. I dreaded the trips at first because of who I had to drive with. During the course of numerous truck-stop lunches, a flat tire on a desolate stretch of highway, and running out of gas once, I realized we'd actually developed a friendship.

Walking away from one of my long-time jobs was not so much a crossroads as a much-needed off ramp. Wasn't at all sure where it would lead, but it was worth a try. Sometimes a change makes all the difference.

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

A to Z 2019!!

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A juggler of words and phrases. My main blog is Tossing It Out. The focus blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge can now be found at a-to-zchallenge.com where updates will be posted until the event in April begins.
Wrote By Rote is about memoir writing.
A Few Words is my Sunday contemplation blog.
A Faraway View is about dreams. Pick what you like or look at them all. I love blogging!